Counting on the 'O': Wildcat offense must do its part against Wofford

DURHAM — Much of the focus this week has been on how the University of New Hampshire football team's defense will fare against Wofford's relentless rushing attack.

What about the Wildcats' offense versus the Terriers' defense?

Although UNH ranks ninth nationally in total offense, it's coming off one of its worst performances of the season in a 64-35 loss to Towson.

The Tigers held the Wildcats to 345 yards, their second lowest total of the year, and outscored them 34-7 in the second half.

One of UNH's touchdowns came on a blocked field goal return and another came early in the fourth quarter when the game was pretty much out of hand.

“They got us out of our rhythm,” said leading receiver R.J. Harris. “We don't work like that as an offense. Getting down, we were trying to make too many big plays. Rather than just play our game we tried to get it all back at once.

No. 11/13 UNH (8-3) will be going up against the No. 10 scoring defense in the country when the teams meet Saturday (2 p.m., ESPN3) in a second-round FCS playoff game in Spartanburg, S.C.

No. 9 Wofford (8-3) is giving up an average of 17.7 points per game.

The Wildcats are averaging 36.6 points a game, and are tied for 10th nationally in that category.

“We're playing a very tough team in New Hampshire,” said veteran Wofford coach Mike Ayers. “They're very well coached and their kids play extremely hard. Offensively, they have a lot of weapons.”

The Terriers are ranked 20th in total defense, and they're tied with UNH for 17th in turnover ratio at plus-7.

“You have to hang onto the football,” McDonnell said. “You've got to score points and you've got to take advantage of the drive opportunities you've got.”

Especially against a team that can move the chains like the Terriers and their triple option.

“We've been practicing this week without the ball,” said linebacker Alan Buzbee, “and I think that's been good for us. We've got to take care of all the options. That's kind of where they hit people. People are guessing where the ball is and if you take one false step they'll crease you.”

UNH has one of the most balanced offenses in the country. The Wildcats rank 13th in rushing (234.2 yards per game) and 33rd in passing (236.7).

“We definitely need to capitalize every time we have the football,” said guard Chris Zarkoskie. “We need to put the ball in the end zone and score sevens, not settle for field goals or turn the ball over.”

“We have to make sure we hold onto the ball and score every time we get a chance,” Harris said. “One of the big things is when we get into the red zone we have to take advantage of that.”

The Wildcats also want to take advantage of their ninth straight trip to the postseason.

They've lost their last two playoff games and three of four. Last year's one-point loss at Montana State still hurts.

“After we lost (to Towson) guys were nervous about whether we were going to be in or not,” Buzbee said. “When our name came up we got a whole other life.”

The difference last year was a blocked extra point that could have tied the game with six seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

The ball was deflected at the line of scrimmage and hit the upright. Although there was an onside kick to come that play essentially ended the Wildcats' season.

“It's been on my mind since that game ended,” Zarkoskie said. “I had a lot of respect for that senior class … and it hurts that they had to go out like that. We don't want to go out like that as a senior class this year.”

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Tight end Harold Spears and receiver Jimmy Giansante are out with leg injuries. Cornerback Dontra Peters (sprained ankle) is expected to play.

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UNH is playing its 11th straight postseason game on the road. The Wildcats are 1-9 all-time in December.

Their lone win was a 45-20 victory at Bethune-Cookman in 2010.

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When asked about his name being mentioned in connection with the head coach opening at Boston College, McDonnell chuckled.

“There are a lot of other things in life I'm worrying about than the BC job,” he said. “Like I told somebody, I'll be down at their (football) camp this summer.”

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